Chapter 4

Lila POV

The charity auction began.

Ethan and Vivian's seats were arranged together. The organizers' deliberate arrangement in consideration of the upcoming marriage alliance between their families. As Ethan's date, I could only sit on his other side.

As auction items were displayed one by one on stage, Vivian kept leaning over to whisper to Ethan. The two appeared intimate, like a couple. I sat beside them like a superfluous outsider.

"Our next auction item is a pet collar set with top-grade pink diamonds. Starting bid, two million." The host's voice rang out on stage.

Vivian's eyes lit up and she immediately raised her paddle. "Three million."

Marcus from the back row whistled and laughed loudly. "Miss Sinclair is so wealthy, spending three million on a cat collar. Miss Hayes, even if you did spay and neuter surgeries your whole life, you probably couldn't earn enough for this collar, could you?"

Low snickers rippled through the crowd.

I sat with my spine straight, my gaze fixed forward, as if I hadn't heard those taunts.

Ethan frowned, turned to look at me, and said in a low voice to comfort me. "Ignore them. What do you like? I'll bid on it for you."

I turned to look at him, at those deep eyes, my tone so calm it held no ripples. "No need. I'm not worthy of such expensive things."

Ethan thought I was sulking and immediately raised his paddle. "Five million."

The entire venue buzzed. Vivian looked at him with delight. "Ethan, are you buying it for me?"

Ethan didn't deny it, only smiled faintly.

I felt the air here suffocating. I stood up. "I'm going to the restroom."

I splashed cold water on my face, looked at my pale reflection in the mirror, and took a deep breath. Just as I was about to turn and leave, the restroom door was pushed open. Vivian walked in on her high heels.

Without outsiders, Vivian dropped her mask completely, her eyes contemptuous and vicious.

"Lila, I thought my message was clear enough. Why are you still shamelessly clinging to Ethan?"

I pulled out a paper towel to dry my hands, looking at her coldly. "Miss Sinclair, please get it straight. I'm the one who's been with him for three years. Who's really the homewrecker here?"

Vivian laughed as if she'd heard the biggest joke. "Love? You think there's real love in wealthy families? You're from an ordinary family, you're a veterinarian. You have nothing. What do you have to compare with me? Do you really think Ethan will marry you?"

She stepped closer, lowering her voice. "He's just after something fresh, treating you like a toy. Next month we're getting engaged. If you're smart, you'll leave him quickly. Otherwise, once I become Mrs. Ford, I have plenty of ways to make your life in New York unbearable!"

Looking at her arrogant face, I felt no anger in my heart, only deep sorrow.

I wasn't sad about Vivian's bullying, but about Ethan's tacit permission and indulgence.

"Don't worry, Miss Sinclair." I threw the used paper towel precisely into the trash bin, my tone as cold as if discussing something completely unrelated to me. "I never take back trash. You two are the real couple. I wish you a lifetime together."

With that, I ignored Vivian's furious expression and walked straight out of the restroom.

When I returned to the ballroom, the auction had ended. Ethan held the velvet box containing the pink diamond collar and handed it to Vivian.

Seeing me return, he walked over and put his arm around my waist. "Where were you for so long? The gala's over. Let's go home."

I didn't dodge his touch, only nodded obediently.

Go home? No, that apartment full of lies had long ceased to be my home.